j Brooks Painter i 2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2

Transcription

j Brooks Painter i 2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2
Castello di Amorosa
N a pa
Va l l e y
j Brooks Painter i
2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2
also inside:
New Castello Wine Offerings, Upcoming Events & More...
Spring / Summer 2015 Newsletter
KI
LLK
K News from Il Padrone L
Brooks Painter wins Winemaker of the Year
’m pleased to announce that Director
of Winemaking for Castello di Amorosa
and V. Sattui Winery, Brooks Painter, was
received a double gold medal. The 2012 Napa Valley
Merlot also earned a double gold medal and the 2011
Il Passito won a gold medal.
I’m so proud that our wines do so well in competitions
and blind tastings. We really only enter a couple of
competitions a year; the American Fine Wine Competition
and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Over the last several years, our wines have garnered
51 Best of Class, Double Gold or Gold awards in these
competitions.
selected Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious 8th
annual American Fine Wine Competition. With over
300 winemakers in the running, only 3 were selected as
Winemaker of the Year. Others included our neighbor,
Rudy von Strasser of von Strasser Winery in Calistoga,
and Bryan Kane of The Winery SF.
Our wines scored well again this year from this competition
of over 700 wines from across the United States, many
from California. The 2012 Il Barone won a double gold
medal, the third time in the last four vintages that it has
P
“The 2011 Il Barone is dark and
powerful, with intense blackberry and
red fruit aromas and a bouquet of spicy
cedar and black licorice. The 2011 vintage
produced easily accessible wines with soft tannins,
and its plush and elegant texture in the mouth
evolve in the glass, adding layers of complexity
on the finish. We have received high praise for
each vintage of our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon,
including the 2012 vintage which just received
Double Gold in the 2015 American Fine Wine
Competition!” – Brooks Painter
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
LLK
L
K From the Cellar: Winemaking Team Favorites L
Peter Velleno:
La Castellana 2010
Laura Orzoco:
Napa Valley
Chardonnay 2013
“Our 2010 La Castellana
is a Super Tuscan blend
of Cabernet, Merlot, and
Sangiovese, which bucks
the tradition of red wine
blends. There are no real
rules in terms of the final
blend, and that’s why Super Tuscans are a winemaker’s
dream. They allow for complete creative freedom and
really show the signature of the winemaker. I am proud
to work with our winemaking team to craft each vintage
of La Castellana, where an Italian-inspired bold red
wine blend is interpreted through some of the finest
grapes grown right here in the Napa Valley.
I love pairing the 2010 La Castellana with cioppino,
a rich and spicy seafood stew made famous in my hometown of San Francisco.” – Peter Velleno, Winemaker
“The 2013 Napa Valley
Chardonnay comes from
our estate in Los Carneros,
where seven acres are
planted with Wente clone
Chardonnay which produces small clusters with a high percentage of shot berries and results in a smaller yield. This clone exhibits big
bright acidity with luscious fruit flavors. Our 2013 Napa
Chardonnay was fermented in 50% new French oak
with native yeast and a specific blend of yeast meant to
enhance the fruit characteristics, producing a fruity wine
with a nice creaminess and a touch of smokiness. I love
enjoying this wine with smoked salmon and artichoke
cream cheese roulade.” – Laura Orzoco, Winemaker
David Bejar:
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Jose Maria Delgado:
Anderson Valley
Pinot Noir 2013
“I spend more time and
energy caring for the
Cabernet Sauvignon vines
than any other varietal.
It is the last vine we prune
in the winter and the last
vine to ripen before harvests.
And because we want to achieve optimum ripening, we’ll
make 3-4 picking passes in the vineyard during harvest.
It is intensive varietal to manage in the vineyard, but
very rewarding when the final product, like this 2011
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, is an elegant, mellow
wine. I really enjoy this wine with a nice steak, but my
favorite pairing is with oysters and crab. It sounds crazy,
but this Cab is soft and easy drinking; and works well
with my palate that was developed in my hometown of
Encinitas, Mexico.” – David Bejar, Vineyard Manager
“Pinot Noir is a challenging
varietal because it is very
delicate, but the rewards
of crafting such an elegant
wine are definitely worth
the challenge. I love the
delicacy and versatility of Pinot Noir and how different
the finished wines can be depending on where the fruit
came from. One of my favorite growing regions for this
variety is Mendocino County, where we have our estate
vineyards for our 2013 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
The 2013 vintage is an elegant wine, silky smooth on the
palate with bright acidity that makes it incredibly food
friendly. I love pairing this Pinot Noir with grilled pork,
since it is a leaner meat that compliments the higher
acidity of the wine.” – JoseMaria Delgado, Cellar Master
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
K
K Castello Offerings & New Releases L
Vini Bianchi e Rosato ~ White Wines & Rosé
2013 Pinot Grigio ~ $21
LK
Palate: Silky and mouth-filling, with intense flavors of tropical
fruit, peach, and hazelnut and a creamy, lingering finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with herb-roasted chicken, rich seafood
dishes, and cream-based sauces.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio from Mendocino County.
Aging process: Stainless Steel Tank
Aroma: Fruity, bright orange/citrus and green apple aromas
with rich honeydew melon and tangy, lemony overtones.
Palate: The wine has a crisp and refreshing acidity, bursting
with bright, juicy fruit flavors.
Food Pairings: Great with mild cheeses, seafood, and fresh
salads containing ripe fruits such as cantaloupe, pears and
apple/walnut.
2014 GewÜrztraminer ~ $25 *New Release*
Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Mendocino County
Aging process: Stainless Steel Tank
Aroma: Spicy notes of lychee and cloves, with delicate rose
petals and apricot.
Palate: Concentrated fruit flavors of delicate, ripe pear and
mild Asian spices, balanced by a supple acidity and a spicy
finish.
Food Pairings: This wine’s spicy finish makes it a perfect match
for Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, and cured, smoked meats.
2014 Pinot Bianco ~ $26 *New Release*
Varietal: 100% Pinot Bianco from Sonoma County
Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank
Aroma: Almonds, bananas, and tropical fruits.
Palate: A bright and crisp dry white wine with light to medium
body, displays a lively “purity of fruit” with delicate flavors of
apple and grapefruit, and an excellent length in the finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with fish, shellfish, and Chinese food.
A great picnic or sipping wine!
2014 “Gioia” Rosato di Sangiovese ~ $24
*New Release*
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank
Aroma: Bright notes of strawberry, framboise, and Red
Delicious apple.
Palate: This Italian-style dry rosé presents fresh summer
strawberry and cranberry notes, with a refreshingly firm acidity
and a creamy texture in the finish.
Food Pairings: An elegant picnic wine to serve with fresh fruit
and prosciutto, or salmon stuffed in herbs and butter.
2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay ~ $29
Gold Medal – 2015 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay from vineyards south of Napa. Go
ld
Medal
Aging process: 100% fermented in French Oak
barrels, 50% new. Aged “sur lie” for 10 months.
Aroma: A beautiful bouquet opens with aromas of ripe citrus,
pear and melon with hints of pineapple, cinnamon and vanilla.
Palate: Creamy vanilla texture framed with toasty oak. Initially
supple and round followed by tropical fruit flavors with harmonious balanced acidity.
Food Pairings: Dungeness Crab, shellfish, salmon, and fine
Italian seafood dishes with rich sauces.
Gold
2012 Bien Nacido Vineyards Medal
$
Reserve Chardonnay~ 38
2014 “Dolcino” (A little sweet)
Gewürztraminer ~ $25 *New Release*
Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Mendocino County.
Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank
Aroma: Complex and spicy aromas of hazelnut, honey,
cinnamon, with a touch of floral and honeysuckle notes.
Palate: Extremely round and lush, slightly sweet with a great
mouthfeel packed with flavors of ripe peach, green apple, and
a crisp, balanced acidy.
Food Pairings: A delicate wine perfect to pair with lighter fare
and spicy foods. Also makes a great sipping wine.
Gold Medal – 2014 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyards located
in the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County.
Aging process: 100% fermented in French Oak barrels, 50%
new. Aged “sur lie” for 10 months. 20% malolactic fermentation.
Aroma: Notes of tangerine and orange blossom, pear, fig, and honeydew
melon with a creamy, toasty oak bouquet.
SAVE!
10% off Cases (12 bottles) or more (mix-n-match)
Save an Extra 5% on Case Orders
use code: “NEWSLETTER” at checkout (expires 7-14-15)
This offer can not be combined with other offers.
Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order: 707-967-6274. Prices and vintages subject to change.
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
LK
K Castello Offerings & New Releases L
Vini Rossi ~ Red Wines
2013 Anderson Valley Reserve
Pinot Noir ~ $69 *New Release*
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging Process: 10 months in Burgundian oak barrels
Aroma: Smokey and floral, with notes of red cherry and
raspberry
Palate: Blended from five different Pinot Noir clones from our
estate vineyard in Anderson Valley, with each clone imparting
subtle nuances and balance to the finished blend. Fresh berries
and red fruits mingle with bright acidity through to a lively finish.
Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with everything from poultry
to lean red meats.
L
2010 “Il Brigante” (the Thief) ~ $35
Varietal: 42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit
Verdot, 13% Zinfandel, 11% Sangiovese
Aging Process: 18 month in French oak barrels
Aroma: Aromas of red currant and black cherry with a touch
of earthy, cured meats.
Palate: Wild berry flavors mingle with toasty oak, finishing with
moderate, well-integrated tannins. Can be cellared up to ten years.
Food Pairings: Pairs with beef roast in a red wine sauce, and
roasted vegetable dishes.
2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
~ $49
Gold
Gold Medal – SF Chronicle Competition
Medal
Varietal: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot,
2% Malbec, 1% Merlot
Aging Process: 21 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: Layered aromas eucalyptus, sage, and green olive
with a spicy touch of cigar box.
Palate: A lean and elegant Cabernet with plush fruit, juicy
berries, and mocha just under the surface of young tannins.
The higher acidity of this 2011 vintage makes it a perfect
food wine.
Food Pairings: Excellent with red meats, grilled vegetables,
and well-sauced dishes.
2012 “Zingaro” (the Gypsy) Old Vine
Zinfandel ~ $35 *New Release*
Varietal: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Primitivo
Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: Zesty with briary black cherry and fresh pine aromas.
Palate: A cool climate Zinfandel from Russian River Valley
in Sonoma County made in the style of Italian Primitivo. This
wine exhibits balanced acidity, red and black berries, and
lively tannins with a peppery finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with grilled meats, creamy pastas,
and robust cheeses.
2011 Napa Valley Sangiovese ~ $29
Varietal: 96% Sangiovese, 4% Merlot
Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: Notes of dried flowers and red plum, framed by supple,
toasty oak.
Palate: This medium-bodied wine shows excellent balance
between acidity and ripe cranberry/pomegranate flavors,
finishing with fine, textured tannins.
Food Pairings: A classic Italian varietal to pair with lasagna
and grilled meats.
Double
2012 Napa Valley Merlot ~ $39 Gold
*New Release*
2011 “La Castellana” Super Tuscan
Blend ~ $ 95
92 pts – Robert Parker
92
pts
Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Sangiovese
Aging Process: 20 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: A rich bouquet of dark red fruits, spice and a hint of leather.
Palate: A bold yet silky blend with dark fruits and earthy notes.
Deep flavors of dark cherry and supple tannins lead to a long,
rich finish. Capable of long-term aging.
Food Pairings: Perfect with lamb, steak, or pappardelle with
wild boar (Dario’s favorite dish)
2011 “Il Barone” Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon ~ $95
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
Aging Process: 20 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: Lush floral and savory aromas of plum and sweet dark cherries.
Palate: A powerfully elegant wine with notes of dark fruit and cocoa,
and undertones of cedar and earth. Bold tannins with bright floral notes
lead to a beautifully delineated finish. Excellent long-term aging potential.
Food Pairings: Pair with bold dishes such as grass-fed steak, or
grilled Portobello mushrooms.
Double Gold Medal – American Fine Wine Competition
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels
Aroma: Aromas of leather and earth blend mingle with mocha
and black cherries.
Palate: A medium-bodied red with excellent balance and concentration of fruit accompanied by soft, well-integrated tannins and a
smooth, dark chocolate finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with most meat-based dishes, as well as
cheese-filled pastas.
Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order: 707-967-6274. Prices and vintages subject to change.
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
K
LK
K Castello Offerings—Specialty & Sweet Wines L
Vini Dolci - Specialty and Sweet Wines
2014 Muscato “Il Raggio del Sole” ~ $29
*New Release*
2014 “La Fantasia” ~ $30 *New Release*
Varietal: 100% Muscat Canelli
Aging Process: Stainless steel tank
Aging Process: Stainless steel tank, carbonated from natural yeast
fermentation
Aroma: Floral notes of honeysuckle and hibiscus, with bright stone fruit.
Aroma: Bright aromas of cherry, exotic flowers and wild berries.
Palate: A refreshing and delicate sweet wine with notes of ripe peach and
orange-peel, balanced with crisp acidity and a lively “spritzy” finish.
Palate: An Italian frizzante (soft sparkling) rosé, packed with notes of
fresh berries and plum, leading to a refreshing, round finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect with light cheeses or fresh fruits.
Food Pairings: A perfect wine for special occasions, with fresh fruit,
or sorbetto.
Varietal: Proprietary blend based on 54% Gamay from Napa Valley
2014 “Simpatica” ~ $29 *New Release*
2013 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer ~ $45
*New Release*
Best of
Best of Class – 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine
Class
Competition
Varietal: 79% White Riesling, 21% Muscat Canelli
Aging Process: Stainless steel tank
Aroma: Citrus nuances mingle with exotic notes of jungle gardenia,
honeysuckle, and hibiscus.
Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Anderson Valley,
in Mendocino County
Palate: Lush flavors of ripe white peach and apricot mingle with a
delicate sweetness and refreshing acidity.
Aging Process: Stainless steel tank
Food Pairings: Enjoy with warm pastries or fresh fruits and cheese.
Aroma: Complex aromas of apricot and honey from the noble rot
“Botrytis Cinera” mingle with honeysuckle and rose petals.
Find great pairing tips & recipes at:
www.castellodiamorosa.com/Visit-Us/
Wine-and-Food-Pairing
Palate: Luscious and rich on the palate, this sweet late harvest wine
presents honeyed notes and a balanced finish.
Food Pairings: Ideal with chocolate torte, crème brulee, or baked fruit
with artisanal cheeses.
2010 “Il Passito” Reserve Late Harvest
Double
Semillon ~ $89 Double Gold Medal –
Gold
2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Varietal: 63% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Semillon
Aging Process: Barrel-fermented and aged for 19 months in 100%
new French oak barrels
Aroma: Honey, sweet vanilla, apricot nectar, and fragrant flowers.
Palate: This Sauterne-style dessert wine offers notes of honey, peach,
and apricot flavors complimented by toasty notes, with a long and
lingering finish.
Food Pairings: A great after-dinner sipping wine perfect with bleu
cheese, as well as seasonal fresh fruit desserts.
10% off Cases (12 bottles) or more (mix-n-match)
Save an Extra 5% on Case Orders
SAVE! use code: “NEWSLETTER” at checkout (expires 7-14-15)
This offer can not be combined with other offers.
Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa,
online or via phone order. Prices and vintages subject to change.
www.castellodiamorosa.com ❖ 707-967-6274
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
LK
K Great Wines for your Cellar L
Our Wines are only Available at Castello di Amorosa.
Chardonnay — Napa Valley
2008 Magnum 2009 Magnum 2010 Magnum 2011 Magnum $95/bottle
$75/bottle
$75/bottle
$75/bottle
Chardonnay — Bien Nacido
2008 Magnum 2009 Magnum 2010 Magnum 2011 Magnum $115/bottle
$95/bottle
$95/bottle
$95/bottle
Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006
Voted # 1 in Blind Tasting by
Napa Valley Vintner’s Tasting $65/bottle
2006 Magnum
2007 Magnum
2008 Magnum
2009 Magnum
Il Barone Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT
2004 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT
2005 750 mL Bottle (LIMIT – 1)
$175/bottle
2006 750 mL Bottle (LIMIT – 1)
$155/bottle
2007 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Robert Parker)
SOLD OUT
2008 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT
2009 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Wine Enthusiast) SOLD OUT
2010 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Wine Enthusiast) $125/bottle
2006 Magnum
$345/bottle
2007 Magnum
SOLD OUT
2008 Magnum
$375/bottle
2009 Magnum
$395/bottle
2010 Magnum
$345/bottle
2010 3-Liter (in wooden box)
$890/bottle
2011 3-Liter (in wooden box)
$790/bottle
2010 6-Liter SOLD OUT
2011 6-Liter (in wooden box)
$1390/bottle
2010 9-Liter SOLD OUT
2011 9-Liter (in wooden box)
$2000/bottle
2010 12-Liter (in wooden box)
$3100/bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2003 750 mL Bottle $79/bottle
2004 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle
2005 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle
2006 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle
2007 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT
2008 750 mL Bottle $70/bottle
2009 750 mL Bottle $70/bottle
2006 Magnum
$175/bottle
2007 Magnum
$195/bottle
2008 Magnum
$195/bottle
2009 Magnum
$195/bottle
Il Passito, Late Harvest Semillon
2006 500 mL Bottle $145/bottle
2009 500 mL Bottle $125/bottle
La Castellana, Napa Valley,
Super Tuscan Blend
2003 750 mL Bottle 2004 750 mL Bottle 2005 750 mL Bottle 2006 750 mL Bottle 2007 750 mL Bottle 92 Points, Robert Parker
2008 750 mL Bottle 2009 750 mL Bottle L
$245/bottle
$265/bottle
$265/bottle
$265/bottle
Exclusive Vertical Selections in
Wooden Collectors Box
La Castellana, Napa Valley, the Super
Tuscan Blend
2003-2008 – 6 Bottles total $990
$165/bottle
$155/bottle
$155/bottle
$115/bottle
$115/bottle
Il Barone, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2003-2009 – 7 Bottles total $1950
Discounts are not offered
on cellar selections.
Limited quantities available.
$105/bottle
$105/bottle
Prices and vintages subject to change.
Not available for tasting. Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order. 707-967-6274.
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
K
LK
photo credit: Karen Hutton
K Barrel Tasting 2013 & 2014 Vintage Futures L
O
n Saturday, May 2, we will be opening
our cellar doors and welcoming
Wine Club members and guests to The
wine while it is still young, imagine how amazing the
finished product will be!
Here is what Brooks Painter has to say about the
2013 and 2014 vintage wines we will be “thieving” from
the barrels at the Grand Barrel Party:
“Both 2013 and 2014 were stunning vintages that
produced absolutely remarkable wines—possibly even
better than the magnificent 2012 ‘nearly perfect’ wines.
Both growing seasons were dry with early ripening,
which brought the fruit to full maturity while avoiding
fall rains. The temperatures during the 2013 and 2014
vintages were on the cool side which retained excellent
acidity and wonderful aging potential. The 2013 reds are
complex and full-bodied, classic Napa Valley style. The
2014 Chardonnay is fruit forward and buttery, and the
2014 Pinot Noirs are also incredible, especially the color
intensity and lavishly rich flavors in the mouth.”
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at The Grand
Barrel Party, and tasting through these great vintages before they
are bottled!
Grand Barrel Party, our second annual barrel tasting
and futures release party taking place in our beautiful
12,000 sq ft Grand Barrel Room three levels beneath the
Castello. Over 40 Castello wines from the past, present,
and future will be available for tasting that evening,
including a wide variety of wines from the 2013 and 2014
vintages that are still in the barrel, giving guests the opportunity to purchase these wines by the case as futures.
Futures are wines that are purchased while still in the
barrel, and are a fantastic investment when looking to stock
your cellars with high-quality wines at a discounted
price. When futures are purchased, the wines are received
three years from the vintage date; for example, if you
purchase a case of 2013 Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon, you
will receive your wines in April of 2016. Barrel tasting
is a great opportunity to try these beautiful wines before
they are bottled and taste their potential; if you love the
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015
LK
K Upcoming Wine Club Events L
Hot Havana Nights
A Sultry Summer Evening Under the Stars
Friday, August 21, 2015
L
Grab your dancing shoes and fedoras and join us for
our annual salsa and cigar party on Friday, August 21st,
where our our acoustically-inspired courtyard will come
alive with the sounds of spicy Latin beats, and the scintillating
smells of savory Cuban cuisine, hand-rolled cigars, and
Castello wines. The festivities begin at 7:00pm and last
until 11:00pm, and features live music, dancing, a cigar
lounge, Cuban cuisine, and of course, our food-friendly
wines! Complimentary shuttles are also available to
downtown Calistoga. Cost is $125 for our Wine Club
members and $155 for guests. We hope to see you there!
ji
The Grand Barrel Party
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Harvest Celebration
& Grape Stomp Competition
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Midsummer Medieval
Festival
Saturday, June 2o, 2015
The Pagan Ball
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Tickets Selling Fast – Book Now!
Concerto di Castello
Saturday, July 18, 2015
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Thursday, December 31, 2015
For Tickets & Information on all Wine Club Events,
Please Visit our Web Site or Call the Wine Club: 707-967-6274
ji
Festival del Sole Performances
Opening Night with Joyce diDonato
& Jake Heggie – Friday, July 17
Opening Night Special offer for Wine Club Members:
Enter code CASTELLO at checkout for 15% off
www.festivaldelsole.org
CastelloDiAmorosa.com Moscow Nights with Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the
Russian National Orchestra – Wednesday, July 22
An Evening of Jazz – Thursday, July 23
Spring ❖ Summer 2015
K
K Under Construction L
LK
Storing wine for the ages
Every great wine deserves to be cellared properly
to preserve it for the ages. Several months ago, we
started the planning phase of a new 1,000 square foot
cellar in the existing wine caves that were built in early
1990’s. This will be the new home for our top tier
wines, including Il Barone and La Castellana, as well
as our lineup of limited production, single vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignons from the Don Thomas, Melanson,
Butala, Rahn, Diamond Mountain District, and
Morisoli-Borges vineyards.
Fine wine cellar under construction.
Red floor for red wines
We had a little downtime in the winemaking cycle which we used to install new floors in the white
and red wine fermentation rooms. A beautiful red color, the new floors have a non-skid surface and
are very easy to keep clean. Cleanliness keeps our winemaking team happy and the new floors should
be a nice surprise for our guests.
CastelloDiAmorosa.com 10
Spring ❖ Summer 2015
LKO
K A Perfect Merlot Pairing L
n a palate chart Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot
L
these vineyard sites produced a plush, layered
and elegant wine.
Merlot is typically more approachable
than Cabernet Sauvignon and more
versatile with food – slow cooked
red wine braised short ribs, Sunday
pot roast or enjoy with a bacon bleu
cheese burger.
On the Royal Food and Wine
Pairing at the Castello, I feature our
Merlot paired with one of my favorite
cheeses, Piave Vecchio, an Italian cheese
similar to Parmesan Reggiano. To complement
the saltiness of this cheese I give it a drizzle of
a viscous Balsamic reduction to add a bit of textural
sweetness. The high notes of the Merlot are accented
perfectly!
Salute! — Mary Davidek
are kissing cousins and
can be quite easily confused. If you
want to have some fun, invite a few
wine-loving friends for a blindtasting featuring Cabernet and
Merlot. Castello’s Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Castello’s
2012 Napa Valley Merlot would be a
well matched duo. Put these beauties
in the lineup and even in the presence of
experienced palates, I predict a dead heat!
But my perfect pairing features our 2012
Napa Valley Merlot. Intoxicating aromatics of sweet
cherry and bittersweet cocoa lead to a sweet caress on the
palate of smoky plum and late summer blackberry. For
the highly anticipated 2012 vintage, winemaker Brooks
Painter blended Merlot fruit from vineyards near the
cooler-climate, south end of the Napa Valley with Merlot
grown around the Castello. This blend of fruit from
Mary’s Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Reducing balsamic vinegar is a great way to add richness, texture,
and sweetness to savories and desserts. To make your own balsamic
reduction, simply pour 20 oz. of good quality balsamic vinegar (such
as the Castello’s own balsamic) into a large sauté pan. Start at medium
heat stirring occasionally, increasing stirring as it thickens. Do not
overheat the balsamic to the point of simmering or boiling; maintaining the target temp at a constant 190°. 68 ounces will reduce
to approximately 15 oz. in roughly one hour. Store in the fridge in
a squeeze-bottle and it will become thicker and more viscous over
time. Great for drizzling over caprese salads, sharp cheeses, roasted
chicken, and fresh berries.
As my grandmother said, “alla gioccia”... good to the last drop!
For more inspiration, check out our Food and Wine Blog at:
www.castellodiamorosa.com/blog
CastelloDiAmorosa.com 11
Spring ❖ Summer 2015
Castello di Amorosa
4045 Saint Helena Highway
Calistoga, California 94515
Highly acclaimed classical violinist, Joshua Bell
with Castello owner, Dario Sattui.
10 of the best days of your life
Concerts at Castello di Amorosa 7/17, 22 & 23
www.festivaldelsole.org
Ordering Castello Wines
As an artisanal winery, the production of many wines is quite limited.
We encourage you to order your favorite wines soon so as not to be disappointed.
To place an order, call us at: 707.967.6274
Order 7 days a week, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm or order online at www.castellodiamorosa.com*
Minimum shipment is 6 bottles. Full cases of 12 bottles, mixed any way you like, are eligible for a 10 % discount.
Castello
di AMorosa
CastellodiAmorosa.com
SAVE BY SHIPPING TO A COMMERCIAL ADDRESS
*Prices and vintages subject to change
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